July in 2024 will be a festive time across the state of Utah indeed. In addition to the typical thunder of fireworks, drone shows and the festive parades we've come to expect and love around Pioneer Day on July 24th, there will be elevated excitement in the air.
The added electricity derives from Utah's long awaited answer from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the status of our bid for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision has been in limbo for over a decade, and we Utahans have patiently waited with baited breath to learn if Salt Lake City will once again welcome the entire world on our doorstep.
At 3AM MST on July 24 the Utah delegation will present the 2034 bid to the IOC assembled in Paris for the Summer Games (it'll be 11AM in Paris). The IOC will then tally their votes to officially designate the 2034 host city. Years of waiting will be over...
With high praise coming from the IOC's review of Utah's bid proposals, local organizers are setting up all sorts of parties and revelry to celebrate Utah's incredible Olympic legacy all across the state. The action begins at 3AM in downtown Salt Lake City at the City and County Building with the 'Celebrate 2034' live watch party. Many proud Utahans will already be gathered and camping out for the traditional Days of '47 Parade. The deliberation, vote and announcement around 4AM will be live-streamed to the gathered crowd. Food trucks will be circled up to serve breakfast and hot beverages amid a bevy of news trucks and excited locals.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall will be in attendance with the IOC in Paris and hopes to show how delighted Utah is to be hosting the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games once more. Says Mendenhall, "Utahans young and old cherish the core memory of the 1995 celebration at Washington Square when we were awarded the 2002 Winter Games. It’s the foundation of our Olympic legacy and I’m thrilled to welcome all to commemorate another historic moment for Salt Lake City and Utah.”
Keep reading for the event schedule and more celebrations across the state...
SALT LAKE CITY
Over a decade in the making, the 2034 decision will kick off a huge holiday full of celebration in Salt Lake City culminating in the relighting of the 2002 Olympic Torch at the Rice-Eccles Stadium. Click here for more information.
Washington Square (east side of City & County Building)
Tuesday, July 23
5–11PM – Live advance coverage on video boards in Washington Square
Wednesday, July 24
3AM – SLC-UT 2034 presentation to IOC livestream
4AM – IOC election
4AM – Anticipated announcement time
5AM. – Unveiling of SLC-UT 2034 transition logo
9AM – Days of '47 Parade from South Temple to Liberty Park
PARK CITY
Naturally, the Utah Olympic Park, a former venue for multiple disciplines, will be getting in on the action. A party will commence at 4PM on the 24th with Olympians and local athletes on hand to sign autographs until 6PM. Food, drinks and vendors will keep folks fed and a number of giveaways promise to stoke the excitement. A free Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show is scheduled for 6:30PM to be followed by tunes from the band Freedog at 7PM. Free transportation from High Valley Transit will be provided to guests. Click here for more info and to score your free tickets.
HEBER
The traditional Charleston Town Pioneer Day Parade in downtown Heber will be full of Olympic touches and retro Olympic gear. Festivities begin early with the raising of the American and Utah flags at 6:45AM. The parade will take place at 6PM with the full schedule outlined below. Click here for more information.
SCHEDULE:
6:45 am: Flag-raising ceremony
7:00 am: Charleston 5K and Fun Run (Register Here)
7:00-9:00 am: Breakfast ($10 per person)
9:00 am-12:00 pm: Car Show
11:00 am: Vendor Market and food trucks
12:00 pm: Kids activities (bounce house)
3:00 pm: Live Auction
6:00 pm: Parade
7:00 pm: Live entertainment (Wildwood)
PROVO
Head to the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo for your local Celebrate 2034 party at 4PM on the 24th. Fans can snap photos with the rink's huge Zamboni and enjoy a free public skating session. Athletes will conduct a meet and greet followed by fireworks.
I was a wee lass of seven when Salt Lake City secured the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games back in 1995. I didn't quite understand the implications of all that, but the memories I have of the Olympics finally coming to town in 2002 as a 16-year-old are fundamental to my childhood experience. It's admittedly quite difficult to put the emotions of that incredible month in 2002 into words. Years of preparation culminated with a little disbelief and terrified excitement as the eyes of the entire world turned to Utah.
Even creating this article causes excitement and pride to well up in my chest. Utah shining brightly in the spotlight of the entire world's attention was an incredibly special moment. I for one am thrilled to share that feeling again with so many of you. Never have I felt so much pride and connection to this wonderful place than when the whole world paused to see what Utah could offer.
Join me in welcoming the world in 2034.
